Construction Machinery

Abstract

To improve workability so as to visually observe a warning lamp for warning the existence of an obstacle by a sensor at the time of traveling backward.SOLUTION: A warning lamp 20 for transmitting a detection result of an obstacle by a sensor 19 to an operator is arranged at a right side position of a driver seat 10 and on the front side of a rear end 10A2 of a seat surface 10A of the driver seat 10. Thereby, the warning lamp 20 can be arranged on the left side of a visual field of the operator in a state where the operator's body is twisted to the right side and the line of sight is directed to the rear side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator, and more particularly to a construction machine equipped with a sensor for detecting an obstacle behind the construction machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a hydraulic excavator, which is a representative example of a construction machine, comprises a self-propelled lower running body, an upper rotating body rotatably mounted on the lower running body, and a working device rotatably mounted to the front of the upper rotating body.

[0003] The upper rotating body is provided with a boarding space for the operator, and the boarding space is provided with a driver's seat located at the rear where the operator sits, operating lever devices located on both sides of the driver's seat for operating the work equipment, and lamps, monitors, etc. located at the front to notify operating information.

[0004] Some hydraulic excavators are equipped with a sensor located behind the driver's seat that detects surrounding obstacles. This sensor detects surrounding obstacles and workers when the hydraulic excavator is in the "on" state. The results of detection by the sensor are notified to the operator by lamps, monitors, etc. located in front of the driver's seat (Patent Document 1).

[0005] Here, the hydraulic excavator can perform tasks (operations) such as traveling using the lower traveling body, rotating the upper rotating body, and rotating the work equipment. On the other hand, the operator in the driver's seat cannot see everything around the hydraulic excavator. Therefore, during the above-mentioned tasks, sensors are used to detect surrounding obstacles and notify the operator, allowing the operator to avoid the obstacles and perform the work efficiently. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-159045 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Some hydraulic excavators are provided with a blade for leveling the ground on the undercarriage, and the blade can be used to level the ground. In leveling work using the blade, the hydraulic excavator is repeatedly moved forward and backward. When moving the hydraulic excavator backward, the operator twists his body and assumes a position to look behind. For this reason, when moving the hydraulic excavator backward, the operator cannot see the lamps, monitors, etc. arranged in front of the driver's seat while looking behind, and cannot check the results of the detection of an obstacle by the sensor. As a result, when moving the hydraulic excavator backward, the operator needs to alternately check the lamps, monitors, etc. arranged in front of the driver's seat and the rear, and needs to suppress the traveling speed assuming the presence of an obstacle, which causes a problem of reduced workability.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems with the prior art described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a construction machine which improves workability by enabling the operator to visually check behind the machine while reversing and at the same time visually check a warning light which warns of the presence of an obstacle via a sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a construction machine comprising a self-propelled lower traveling body, an upper rotating body rotatably provided on the lower traveling body, and a working device rotatably provided at the front of the upper rotating body, the upper rotating body being provided with a driver's seat having a seating surface arranged in a boarding space for an operator, a sensor for detecting an obstacle behind the upper rotating body, and a warning light for notifying that the obstacle has been detected by the sensor, the warning light being: Outside the boarding area, A seat cushion is disposed to the side of the driver's seat and in front of the rear end of the seat cushion of the driver's seat. The warning light is attached to the upper surface of the upper rotating body. is. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, when reversing, the driver can visually check behind the vehicle and at the same time can visually check the warning light that warns of the presence of an obstacle detected by a sensor, thereby improving operability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left side view showing a hydraulic excavator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a hydraulic excavator. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the hydraulic excavator in a state in which the upper rotating body has been rotated to the right. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A hydraulic excavator equipped with a crawler-type undercarriage will be taken as an example of a representative example of a construction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are based on the viewpoint of an operator seated in the driver's seat of the hydraulic excavator.

[0013] In FIG. 1, the hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a crawler-type lower traveling body 2 capable of self-propelling in the forward and backward directions, an upper rotating body 3 rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body 2, and a working device 4 rotatably mounted on the front part of the upper rotating body 3.

[0014] The lower traveling body 2 is provided with drive wheels 2B and idler wheels 2C on the left and right sides of a track frame 2A, and tracks 2D are wound around the drive wheels 2B and the idler wheels 2C. In addition, a blade 5 for performing ground leveling work (soil removal work) is provided on the front side of the track frame 2A.

[0015] The working device 4 comprises a swing post 4A attached to the front end of a rotating frame 6 described later so as to be swingable in the left-right direction, a boom 4B attached to the swing post 4A so as to be rotatable, an arm attached to the tip of the boom 4B so as to be rotatable, and a bucket attached to the tip of the arm so as to be rotatable (none of which are shown), as well as a boom cylinder 4C, an arm cylinder and a bucket cylinder (none of which are shown) which operate these.

[0016] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a swing cylinder 4D for swinging the swing post 4A in the left-right direction is provided between a swivel frame 6 (to be described later) and the swing post 4A.

[0017] The upper rotating body 3 has a rotating frame 6 which serves as a base and will be described later. On this rotating frame 6, a driver's seat 10, operating lever devices 11, 12, a right cover 15, a sensor 19, and a warning light 20 are provided.

[0018] The revolving frame 6 is formed as a support structure and is rotatably attached to the truck frame 2A. A support bracket 6A is provided at the front of the revolving frame 6 so as to protrude forward. A swing post 4A of the working device 4 is supported on this support bracket 6A so as to be swingable in the left-right direction. A counterweight 7 is provided at the rear of the revolving frame 6 to balance the weight of the working device 4.

[0019] Furthermore, an engine, a hydraulic pump, a heat exchanger, etc. (none of which are shown) are provided on the rotating frame 6, positioned in front of the counterweight 7. Note that instead of an engine, an electric motor or a hybrid prime mover that combines an engine and an electric motor can be used. Furthermore, for example, the above-mentioned heat exchanger, battery, etc. are provided on the rear side of the right side of the rotating frame 6, and a fuel tank, etc. (none of which are shown) are provided in front of the rotating frame 6.

[0020] Here, on the rotating frame 6, in front of the counterweight 7, the range from the middle in the left-right direction to the left side is a boarding space 8. This boarding space 8 is located to the left of a right cover 15, which will be described later.

[0021] The floor member 9 is provided on the revolving frame 6 so as to overlap the boarding space 8. The floor member 9 has a flat footrest 9A at the front from the middle in the fore-and-aft direction, and a stepped driver's seat base 9B at the rear that rises from the rear end of the footrest 9A. The footrest 9A is provided for an operator seated in a driver's seat 10 (described later) to place his / her feet. The driver's seat base 9B covers the engine, hydraulic pump, etc., and also serves as a mounting base for the driver's seat 10.

[0022] The driver's seat 10 is seated by the operator who has entered the boarding space 8. The driver's seat 10 is composed of a seat surface 10A attached onto a driver's seat base 9B, and a backrest 10B extending upward from the rear of the seat surface 10A. The seat surface 10A is formed as a rectangular cushion member having a thickness in the up-down direction. The seat surface 10A has a center point C at the intersection of a straight line extending in the left-right direction through the middle part in the front-rear direction and a straight line extending in the front-rear direction through the middle part in the left-right direction. The seat surface 10A also has a front end portion 10A1 on the front side, and a rear end portion 10A2 on the rear side to which the backrest 10B is attached (see Figs. 1 and 3).

[0023] The left operating lever device 11 as an operating lever device is provided at a lateral position on the left side of the driver's seat 10, and has a lever grip 11A at the front that is tilted by the operator. The right operating lever device 12 as an operating lever device is provided at a lateral position on the right side of the driver's seat 10, and has a lever grip 12A at the front that is tilted by the operator. The left operating lever device 11 and the right operating lever device 12 are provided inside the boarding space 8. By tilting the lever grip 11A of the left operating lever device 11 and the lever grip 12A of the right operating lever device 12, the working device 4 and the like can be operated. Here, the positions of the lever grips 11A, 12A in the front-rear direction are equal to or slightly forward of the front end of the seat surface 10A of the driver's seat 10. The operating lever devices 11, 12 can be attached to the driver's seat 10 or to the driver's seat base 9B of the floor member 9.

[0024] The travel lever / pedal device 13 is provided in front of the footrest portion 9A of the floor member 9. The travel lever / pedal device 13 is operated manually or by stepping on it with a foot to cause the lower traveling body 2 to travel forward or backward.

[0025] The display device 14 is provided at the right front part of the footrest section 9A within the boarding space 8. The display device 14 is composed of, for example, a monitor, lamps, etc. that display information such as the operating state of the hydraulic excavator 1 and various settings to the operator.

[0026] The right cover 15 is located on the right side of the boarding space 8 and is provided on the swivel frame 6. The right cover 15 is composed of a rear cover part 16 and a front cover part 17. The boundary position between the rear cover part 16 and the front cover part 17 is at the same fore-and-aft position as the center point C of the seat surface 10A of the driver's seat 10.

[0027] The rear cover section 16 includes an openable side cover 16A that covers the heat exchanger etc. from the right side, and a fixed cover 16B that covers the upper side of the heat exchanger etc. The side cover 16A is curved in an arc shape. The fixed cover 16B is made of, for example, a flat metal plate, and is fixed onto the swivel frame 6 via a structure such as a frame that forms the heat exchanger. This provides the fixed cover 16B with strength and stability.

[0028] The front cover portion 17 includes a side cover 17A that covers the fuel tank etc. from the right side, and an openable / closable cover 17B that covers the upper side of the fuel tank etc. The openable / closable cover 17B is provided so that the front side can rotate up and down with the rear part as a fulcrum.

[0029] The canopy 18 is attached to the upper surface of the counterweight 7 and covers the operator's seat 10 from above. The canopy 18 is configured as a two-column canopy including, for example, a left support column 18A and a right support column 18B erected on the upper surface of the counterweight 7 with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction, and a roof 18C provided on the upper ends of the left support column 18A and the right support column 18B and extending forward. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the hydraulic excavator 1 is provided with the two-column canopy 18, the present invention may also be applied to hydraulic excavators equipped with a three-column or four-column canopy. The present invention may also be applied to hydraulic excavators equipped with a cab instead of the canopy 18.

[0030] The sensor 19 is provided at a position above the counterweight 7 behind the driver's seat 10. The sensor 19 detects an obstacle (not shown) behind the upper rotating body 3, for example, by using a laser light. When the operator sitting in the driver's seat 10 looks back, the sensor 19 can detect a range that is not visible due to the counterweight 7, etc., specifically, a fan-shaped range spreading in the left and right directions from the rear of the counterweight 7. In this case, the obstacle includes a steel frame, a piece of concrete, a rock, a human body, etc.

[0031] The sensor 19 outputs the detection result to a controller (not shown). As a result, the controller turns on a warning light 20 (described later) based on the detection result of the sensor 19. Note that a configuration in which multiple sensors are provided to detect a wide range may be used. Also, a sensor other than one that uses laser light may be used.

[0032] Next, the configuration and effects of the warning light 20, which is a characteristic feature of this embodiment, will be described in detail.

[0033] The warning light 20 emits light to notify the operator that an obstacle has been detected by the sensor 19. The warning light 20 is a cylindrical body extending in the vertical direction, and has a lower sensor light-emitting member 20A and an upper warning light-emitting member 20B. The sensor light-emitting member 20A is formed of a green lamp or the like that is turned on when the sensor 19 is in an operating state (normal detection state). The warning light-emitting member 20B is formed of a red lamp or the like that is turned on when the sensor 19 detects an obstacle in the vicinity. Note that the warning light is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration (shape, light color, etc.) as long as it can emit light that allows the operator to recognize the presence of an obstacle.

[0034] An example of the operating state of the warning light 20 will be described. When the sensor 19 is in a state (operating state) in which it detects a surrounding obstacle, the warning light 20 lights up the green sensor light-emitting member 20A. On the other hand, when the sensor 19 detects an obstacle and outputs a signal to the controller, the warning light 20 lights up the red warning light-emitting member 20B in response to a signal from the controller, thereby warning the operator that an obstacle is nearby.

[0035] Next, the mounting position of the warning light 20 will be described in detail. The warning light 20 is mounted on the upper surface of the fixed cover 16B of the rear cover part 16, which is made of a metal plate having strength and stability. The mounting position of this warning light 20 is located outside the boarding space 8, on the right side of the driver's seat 10, and forward of the rear end portion 10A2 of the seat surface 10A of the driver's seat 10, as shown in FIG. 3. The warning light 20 is also disposed rearward of the lever grips 11A, 12A of the operating lever devices 11, 12. Furthermore, the warning light 20 is disposed at a position higher than the height of the seat surface 10A of the driver's seat 10, as shown in FIG. 1. This allows the warning light 20 to be disposed on the right side of the field of vision of the operator facing forward.

[0036] Here, when the hydraulic excavator 1 performs ground leveling work using the blade 5, the operator sitting in the driver's seat 10 needs to visually check the positional relationship between the ground and the blade 5. However, in the positional relationship between the working device 4 and the blade 5 shown in FIG. 3, the working device 4 may get in the way and the right side of the blade 5 may not be visible. Therefore, when performing ground leveling work, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper rotating body 3 is rotated (swivels) to the right with respect to the lower traveling body 2 to move the working device 4 to the right, and the work is performed in a vehicle body posture that makes it easy for the operator sitting in the driver's seat 10 to visually check the entire blade 5. In the position of the hydraulic excavator 1 for ground leveling work shown in FIG. 4, when looking behind while moving backward, the operator inevitably twists his body to the right and looks backward.

[0037] In this case, the warning light 20 located at a lateral position of the driver's seat 10, in a position forward of the rear end portion 10A2 of the seat surface 10A of the driver's seat 10, in a position rearward of the lever grips 11A, 12A of the operating lever devices 11, 12, and in a position above the seat surface 10A of the driver's seat 10 can be seen by the operator facing backward in a clockwise direction.

[0038] Moreover, the warning light 20, which is disposed forward of the rear end 10A2 of the seat surface 10A of the driver's seat 10, does not obstruct the view of the operator looking backward. It is also possible to dispose the warning light on the right support pillar 18B of the canopy 18 or in its vicinity, but this would obstruct the view of the operator looking backward, and would also emit light in front of the operator, which would be an eyesore and reduce workability.

[0039] The hydraulic excavator 1 according to this embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, and its operation will now be described.

[0040] First, ground leveling work using the blade 5 of the hydraulic excavator 1 will be described. The operator gets on the floor member 9 and sits in the driver's seat 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the operator seated in the driver's seat 10 moves the working device 4 to the right by rotating the upper rotating body 3 to the right (clockwise) so that the entire blade 5 can be viewed. This allows the operator to adjust the position of the blade 5 relative to the ground to the correct working position.

[0041] After adjusting the blade 5 to the working position, the operator operates the travel lever / pedal device 13 to move the lower traveling body 2 forward or backward. This allows the blade 5 to level the ground.

[0042] Here, when moving the hydraulic excavator 1 backward during ground leveling work using the blade 5, the operator turns his body to the right and looks backward while checking for safety behind. When moving the hydraulic excavator 1 backward, the sensor 19 detects obstacles in the surroundings, including the rear, and a warning light 20 reporting the detection result of the sensor 19 can be seen on the left side of the operator's field of vision (left side as seen from the operator). This allows the operator to visually check the rear and at the same time visually check the warning light 20, allowing the hydraulic excavator 1 to travel smoothly without overly worrying about areas that are blocked by the counterweight 7, etc.

[0043] Next, an explanation will be given of an excavation work of earth and sand using the working device 4 of the hydraulic excavator 1. An operator seated in the driver's seat 10 can perform an excavation work of earth and sand by rotating the working device 4 while rotating the upper rotating body 3 by tilting the lever grip 11A of the left operating lever device 11 and the lever grip 12A of the right operating lever device 12.

[0044] Even when excavating earth and sand using this working device 4, the warning light 20 can be seen on the right side of the operator's field of vision when facing forward. This allows the operator to perform excavation work smoothly without having to worry too much about what is behind him.

[0045] Thus, according to the embodiment, the warning light 20, which notifies the operator of the result of the obstacle detection by the sensor 19, is disposed on the right side of the driver's seat 10 and forward of the rear end portion 10A2 of the seat surface 10A of the driver's seat 10. The warning light 20 is also disposed rearward of the lever grips 11A, 12A of the operating lever devices 11, 12. Furthermore, the warning light 20 is disposed at a position higher than the height of the seat surface 10A of the driver's seat 10.

[0046] This allows the warning light 20 to be positioned on the right side of the field of vision of the operator facing forward. Moreover, during ground leveling work using the blade 5, when the upper rotating body 3 is rotated (swivels) to the right relative to the lower traveling body 2 and the operator twists his body to the right and turns his line of sight rearward, the warning light 20 can be positioned on the left side of the operator's field of vision. As a result, the operator can visually check the warning light 20 at the same time as visually checking the front and can also visually check the rear, so that the hydraulic excavator 1 can be operated smoothly without having to worry too much about the rear, improving workability.

[0047] The warning light 20 is equipped with a sensor light-emitting member 20A that lights up when the sensor 19 is in an operating state, and a warning light-emitting member 20B that lights up when the sensor 19 detects an obstacle in the surroundings. This makes it possible to check whether the sensor 19 is functioning normally and whether there is an obstacle in the surroundings.

[0048] Furthermore, at a lateral position (right side position) of the boarding space 8, there are provided an opening / closing cover 17B of the front cover part 17 located in front of the upper rotating body 3, and a fixed cover 16B of the rear cover part 16 located behind the opening / closing cover 17B. In addition, the warning light 20 is attached to the upper surface of the fixed cover 16B. This allows the warning light 20 to be stably provided on the fixed cover 16B.

[0049] In the embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a crawler type hydraulic excavator 1 having a crawler belt 2D is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to, for example, a wheel type hydraulic excavator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1. Hydraulic excavator (construction machinery) 2 Undercarriage 3. Upper rotating body 4 Work equipment 8 Boarding Space 10 Driver's seat 10A Seat 10A2 Rear end 11 Left operation lever device (operation lever device) 11A, 12A Lever Grip 12 Right operation lever device (operation lever device) 16 Rear cover part 16B Fixed cover 17 Front cover part 17B Opening cover 19 Sensors 20 warning light 20A Sensor light emitting material 20B Warning light emitting element

Claims

1. The vehicle comprises a self-propelled lower traveling body, an upper rotating body rotatably provided on the lower traveling body, and a working device rotatably provided on a front part of the upper rotating body, A construction machine in which the upper rotating body is provided with a driver's seat having a seating surface, a sensor for detecting an obstacle behind the upper rotating body, and a warning light for notifying that the obstacle has been detected by the sensor, The warning light is disposed outside the passenger space, at a lateral position of the driver's seat, and forward of a rear end portion of the seat surface of the driver's seat, A construction machine characterized in that the warning light is attached to an upper surface of the upper rotating body.

2. 2. The construction machine according to claim 1, An operating lever device is provided at a side position of the driver's seat for operating the working device by tilting a lever grip, A construction machine characterized in that the warning light is disposed rearward of the lever grip of the operating lever device.

3. 2. The construction machine according to claim 1, A construction machine characterized in that the warning light is equipped with a sensor light-emitting element that lights up when the sensor is operating, and a warning light-emitting element that lights up when the sensor detects an obstacle in the vicinity.

4. 2. The construction machine according to claim 1, The construction machine is characterized in that the warning light is disposed at a position higher than the height of the seat surface of the driver's seat.

5. 2. The construction machine according to claim 1, An opening / closing cover located in front of the upper rotating body and a fixed cover located behind the opening / closing cover are provided at lateral positions of the boarding space, A construction machine characterized in that the warning light is attached to an upper surface of the fixed cover.

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